Child of God by Dax

 

The Payout for Patience

 The Payout for Patience

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

The story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50 is a great lesson in why we should have faith in the sovereign, future grace of God. 

Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, which must have tested his patience tremendously. But he is given a good job in Potiphar’s house in Egypt. Then, when he is acting uprightly in the unplanned place of obedience, Potiphar’s wife lies about his integrity and has him thrown into prison — another great trial to his patience. 

But again things turn for the better, and the prison keeper gives him responsibility and respect. But just when he thinks he is about to get a reprieve from Pharaoh’s cupbearer, whose dream he interpreted, the cupbearer forgets him for two more years. Another painful trial to his patience.

Finally, the meaning of all these detours and delays becomes clear. Joseph is raised up to be the leader of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. He ends up saving from starvation the very brothers who sold him into slavery. Joseph says to his long-estranged brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. . . . As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 45:7; 50:20).

What would have been the key to patience for Joseph during all those long years of exile and abuse? The answer is: faith in God’s sovereign, future grace — the sovereign grace of God to turn the unplanned place and the unplanned pace into the happiest ending imaginable.

That’s the key to our patience as well. Do we believe that God is working for us in the strangest and most painful turns of our lives?

WHEN GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY FROM YOU!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY MAY 28, 2025.

SUBJECT: WHEN GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY FROM YOU! 

Memory verse: "Why do You stand afar off, O LORD? Why do You hide in times of trouble? (Psalm 10 vs 1.)

READ: Psalm 13 vs 1 - 6:

13:1: How long, O Lord? Will You forget me for ever? How long will You hide Your face from me?

13:2: How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long will my enemy be exalted over me?

13:3: Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.

13:4: Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

13:5: But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

13:6: I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.

INTIMATION:

It is natural for the believers to feel that God has distanced Himself from us when we are in trouble. The fact is that God has not distanced Himself from us. We have moved away from Him. The fact is that God is transcendent, but He also allows life and nature to continue their natural courses. God knows the end from the beginning, perfect in timing, and works all things together for good, achieving His predetermined purposes even in the midst of troubles. The believer must remember that God does not move away from him in time of trouble. 

For instance, Job wondered why God would allow great calamity to come upon him if He were a God who is transcendent in the affairs of man (Job 13 vs 24). He never knew God’s purpose of allowing Satan to bring the calamities his way, but at the end Job was better off than he was from the beginning of his troubles. 

In our memory verse, the psalm writer said, “Why do you hide in times of trouble?” To him God seemed far away. But even though the writer had honest doubts, he did not stop praying or conclude that God no longer cared. He was not complaining but simply asking God to hurry to his aid. It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles.

Sometimes all we need to do is talk over a problem with a friend to help put it in perspective. God is such a friend. Just like David expressed his feelings to God and found strength. By the end of his prayer, he was able to confess hope and trust in God. Through prayer we can express our feelings and talk our problems out with God. He helps us regain the right perspective, and this gives us peace. 

In times of distress, some of us frequently claim that God is slow to act on their behalf. Yes we often feel this same impatience. Our duty, however, is to continue to trust God no matter how long we have to wait for God’s help or justice to be realized. When you feel impatient, always remember to put your faith in God’s unfailing love. 

In the passage we read today, David was faithful to God and trusted wholeheartedly in Him, but he felt the pressure of his problems as much as anyone. Instead of giving up or giving in, however, David held on to his faith. In times of despair, it is much harder to hold on than to give up. But if you give up on God, you give in to a life of despair. 

Let your feelings not be controlled by the events around you, but rather by faith in God’s ability to give you strength. When nothing makes sense, and when troubles seem more than you can bear, remember that God gives strength. Take your eyes off your difficulties and look to God who controls all circumstances. 

Prophet Habakkuk says in Habakkuk 3 vs 17 - 19: “Although the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be in the vines; though the labour of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like bear's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”

God will give His followers strength and confidence in difficult times. They will run surefooted as deer across rough and dangerous terrain. At the proper time, God will bring about His justice and completely rid the world of evil. In the meantime God’s people need to live in the strength of His Spirit, confident in His ultimate victory over evil. God is our refuge even in the midst of total destruction. He is not merely a temporary retreat, He is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance. 

Prayer: Abba Father, You are Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent. There is nothing difficult nor impossible with You, and You control all circumstances. I will cast all my cares on You because You cares for me. In all circumstances You are my only God. Whatever You can’t do for me let it remain undone, whatever You can’t give me may I never have it. Daily I empty myself before You for whatever You have for me, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Authentic vs. Phony Faith

 Authentic vs. Phony Faith

Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28)

The question before us all is: Are we included in the “many” whose sins Christ bore? And will we be saved at his second coming? 

The answer of Hebrews 9:28 is, “Yes,” if we are “eagerly waiting for him.” We can know that our sins are taken away and that we will be safe in the judgment, if we trust Christ in such a way that it makes us eager for his coming.

There is a phony faith that claims to believe in Christ, but is only a fire insurance policy. Phony faith “believes” only to escape hell. It has no real desire for Christ. In fact, it would prefer if he did not come, so that we can have as much of this world’s pleasures as possible. This shows that a heart is not with Christ, but with the world.

So, the issue for us is: Do we eagerly long for the coming of Christ? Or do we want him to stay away, while our love affair with the world runs its course? That is the question that tests the authenticity of faith.

Let us be like the Corinthians as we “wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:7), and like the Philippians whose “citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

That’s the issue for us. Do we love his appearing? Or do we love the world and hope that his appearing will not interrupt our plans? Eternity hangs on this question.

BE SELFLESS TO BE CHRISTLIKE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY MAY 27, 2025.

SUBJECT : BE SELFLESS TO BE CHRISTLIKE! 

Memory verse: "Bear one another's burdens, and fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6 vs 2.)

READ: Philippians 2 vs 3 - 5; First Corinthians 10 vs 24:

Philippians 2:3: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

2:4: Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

2:5: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

First Corinthians 10:24: Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. 

INTIMATION:

Being selfless is laying aside right; putting others first. Selflessness is having no regard to self, being altruistic—living and acting for the interest of others. Many people, even Christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. However, selfish ambition or conceit (overbearing, having a high opinion of oneself) brings discord. Selflessness is inconveniencing yourself for the happiness, and benefit of others.

Jesus Christ, our Messiah, is a classic example of a selfless life. He was humble, willing to give up His rights in order to obey God and serve people. Consequently, the apostle Paul advises us thus: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Like Jesus, we should have a servant's attitude, serving out of love for God and others. 

Everyone chooses his or her attitude. You can approach life expecting to be served, or you can look for opportunities to serve others. Jesus Christ's ministry on earth was anchored on selflessness, and was the basis for our salvation. He died for us; paid a ransom for us because we could not do it ourselves. His death released us from our slavery to, and bondage of sin. Jesus remarked in Mark 10 vs 45; "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." 

Living as Christ did—being selfless—brings about spiritual unity. We must love one another and be one in spirit and purpose. When we co-operate in working together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ's example of putting others first, and consequently, fulfill the law of Christ. The law of Christ is to love one another (John 13 vs 34 - 35). 

Selfishness is seen among Christians and abound in our churches (the Body of Christ). Christians—members of the Body of Christ—compete amongst themselves with the motive to undo the other; backbiting, gossiping, witch-hunting, working against the interest of others etc. such evil behaviors are the products of selfishness. Selfish ambition and conceit lead one to seek his or her own ends. One is not considerate of the desires of others. Those who have confidence in themselves will have no problem in building up others. 

Always think of yourself the way Jesus thought of Himself. Though He is God, and equal with God in status, but didn't think so much of Himself as to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men to save mankind. He was completely obedient even to His detriment to the point of a shameful death on the cross.

How many of us can practice such lifestyle. Christians, even men of God, struggle in traffic jam, in fuel cue, in difficult circumstances to take the first turn etc. Though it is difficult to lead such a lifestyle but we need to start from somewhere and let the Holy Spirt help us accomplish the rest.

Prayer: Abba Father, my trust is in You. Help me to lay aside my right in order to serve others selflessly and treat others with respect and common courtesy, for I know that such selflessness endears me to You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Osubare Mare Ooo by Peterson Okpoi

 

DO NOT ENVY THE WEALTH OF THE WICKED!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY MAY 26, 2025.

SUBJECT : DO NOT ENVY THE WEALTH OF THE WICKED!

Memory verse: "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” (Psalm 37 vs 7.)

READ: Psalm 73 vs 3 - 9; 13 - 20:

73:3: For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

73:4: For there are no pangs in their death: but their strength is firm.

73:5: They are not in trouble as other men; nor are they plagued like other men.

73:6: Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.

73:7: Their eyes bulge with abundance: they have more than heart could wish.

73:13: Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.

73:14: For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

73:15: If I had said, “I will speak thus;” behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.

73:16: When I thought to understand this, it was too painful for me;

73:17: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.

73:18: Surely You set them in slippery places: You cast them down to destruction.

73:19: Oh how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

73:20: As a dream when one awakes; so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.

INTIMATION:

We observe in the world that sometimes the wicked prosper, leaving all the godly people wondering why they bother to be good. We also observe that the wealth of the wicked looks so inviting that faithful people may wish they could trade places. But these two themes or observations come to unexpected ends, for the wealth of the wicked suddenly loses its power at death, and the rewards for the godly suddenly takes on eternal value. What seemed like wealth is now waste, and what seemed worthless now lasts forever. Don’t wish you could trade places with evil people to get their wealth. One day they will wish they could trade places with you and have your eternal wealth.

We should never envy evil people, even though some may be extremely popular or excessively rich. No matter how much they have, it will fade and varnish like grass that withers and dies. Those who follow God live differently from the wicked and, in the end, will have treasures in heaven. What an unbeliever gets on earth may last a lifetime, but what the believer gets from following God lasts forever. 

At a point, in the passage we read today, the psalmist wondered why he had sought to walk righteously in his life, because the result was his oppression. He complained until he went to the sanctuary of God. It was there that he understood that the end of the wicked was doom. Though their lives seemed glorious, their end was destruction. Thus the psalmist was willing to sacrifice the seemingly glorious life of the unrighteous in order to avoid their end.

Many people have asked, “Why does the wicked prosper?” One may question the prosperity of the wicked, while the righteous suffer, but our questioning should not turn into envy of what the wealthy possess. The righteous must content themselves with God who is in control and working all things together for good for His people (Romans 8 vs 28). In God’s long-range plans and purposes, the believer should realize that God is doing right, even when you don’t understand why He works as He does. 

The nature and life of the wicked who prosper is full of arrogance because they are well fed, having a life without trouble. They go unchecked with their oppressive conduct and unscrupulous dealings. They have more than one could desire. And because they are arrogant in their speech, people often turn to them for leadership and counsel. They continue to prosper regardless of their unrighteous behavior. All these make the righteous worry.

Worry, envy, and impatience are tools of the devil to ensnare the righteous. The righteous must keep in mind that the wealth of the wicked is only temporary in the sense that in death the wicked will lose all their wealth. Therefore, one should not sacrifice his contentment by envying those things that will eventually pass away, both at the time of death and at the end of the world (See Second Peter 3 vs 10 - 16).

It is obvious that all those who call upon God in their need will be answered, sometimes in unexpected ways. Remember God knows what we need and our deepest needs are spiritual. Even though many Christians face unbeatable poverty and hardship, they still have enough spiritual nourishment to live for God. If you have God, you have all you really need. God is enough.

If you feel you don’t have everything you need, then ask yourself: (1) Is this really a need? (2) Is this really good for me? (3) Is this the best time for me to have what I desire? Even if you answer yes to all three questions, God may allow you to go without them to help you grow more dependent on Him. He may want you to learn that you need Him more than having your immediate desires met. 

Prayer: Abba Father, I know Your thoughts for me is of good and not of evil, to give me a future and a hope. In You I live, move, and have my being. Endue me with the spirit of contentment with all You do for me and have allowed me to have, that I will never envy the wicked and evil doers and their wealth, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!